Running back Marcel Shipp, an eight-year veteran who was waived by Arizona this month, will sign today and be on the field when the Texans return to practice.

Because Ahman Green is suffering from a pulled groin, the Texans wanted another veteran running back to share the load in the last two preseason games against Dallas and Tampa Bay.

“I think we knew all along we were looking at about three weeks,” coach Gary Kubiak said about Green, who was injured on the first play of the preseason opener against Denver. “I don’t think there is much of a chance for him to play this week.”

Johnson to return

Receiver Andre Johnson, who has been out with a groin injury, will play for the first time in the preseason against Dallas on Friday.

“We’ll proceed with Andre as if he’s ready to go this week,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “I think he could have played last week. He practiced with us in every phase except for the times we were going to bang around.”

No pass rush

The Texans have one sack in two games — by end Tim Bulman against the Saints.

“We continue to search for some pressure,” coach Gary Kubiak said.

Locating the ball

Coach Gary Kubiak didn’t sound down on cornerback Jacques Reeves, who had a rough game against the Saints. Reggie Bush hurdled him at the goal line on a 12-yard touchdown catch.

He had an 18-yard interference penalty on a scoring drive. He surrendered a 39-yard catch on a field-goal drive.

“You look at the things he does in the running game and the way he plays the game overall, and we’re very pleased with that,” Kubiak said. “He’s an excellent tackler."